Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
The Honourable Ros Bates
MAJOR AUSTRALIAN ARTWORKS TO TOUR REGIONAL QUEENSLAND
Arts Minister Ros Bates today announced works by some of Australia’s renowned artists would tour regional Queensland in two travelling exhibitions.
“Lloyd Rees, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Nora Heysen, Grace Cossington Smith and Margaret Preston are just some of artists whose work will be on the move,” Ms Bates said.
“Thanks to the Queensland Art Gallery’s marvellous touring program, which began in 1906, people across the state have access to its collection through these exhibitions.
“Since 2007, upwards of 290,000 people have seen travelling exhibitions or attended gallery programs at more than 100 regional venues through the Gallery’s touring program.
“Next up, Lloyd Rees: Life and Light opens at TYTO Regional Art Gallery in Ingham on
2 June and runs until 23 July. The exhibition includes more than 50 sketches, paintings and prints by the Brisbane-born artist, covering subjects including architecture, interiors and landscapes.
“After Ingham it continues to Gympie, Rockhampton, Miles, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Logan, Mackay, Gladstone and Redcliffe before ending in Toowoomba in May 2014.
“This important exhibition gives regional audiences the opportunity to view a powerful rendering of Brisbane’s past by one of Australia’s most awarded landscape painters. The chance to view his ethereal work, including some self-portraits, is one many people will treasure.
“Some of the Gallery’s finest modern Australian works will also travel to three regional galleries this year as part of The Moderns: Highlights from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection at Cairns Regional Gallery (June 23-August 5), Outback Regional Gallery, Winton (August 11-September 7) and Rockhampton Art Gallery (October 5-November 18).
“This exhibition includes favourites such as Russell Drysdale’s Man feeding his dogs (1941) and William Dobell’s portrait The Cypriot (1940).”
Ms Bates said the Queensland Art Gallery was the only state gallery in Australia to include a regional touring program as part of its core business.
“I commend the Gallery for its commitment to its touring program which certainly supports our Government’s vision to ensure all Queenslanders have access to the arts,” she said.
For more information about The Moderns: Highlights from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection, Lloyd Rees: Life and Light and other touring exhibitions, visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/travelling
